Dr Rundi commends organisers of running events

BINTULU: Running is one of the many healthy activities that are quite popular among people in the state, especially in Bintulu where various running events are held every year.

Minister of Utilities Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said running is not just fun but helps to burn calories.

He thus praised organisers of running events here which have attracted thousands of participants from throughout the state, naming the Forest Run held in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of Forest Department Sarawak yesterday as one of them.

“This forest run is a series of a running event by the department starting from Bintulu to Sarikei, Miri, Sibu and ending in Kuching.

“I was made to understand that the initial number of participants was only 300 but increased to 800 runners,” he said when officiating at the launching of 1st Forest Run Bintulu 2019 organised by Forest Department Sarawak. The runners were flagged- off from Taman Tumbina Bintulu early yesterday morning.

Tree planting at Taman Tumbina by the first 100 participants who completed the run was held as a side activity for the forest run.

A total of 834 runners took part in the 5km run starting from Taman Tumbina to the Tanjung Batu coastal road.

In the men’s category, the first place was won by Zulkarnain Zaidin while second to fifth places went to Suliman Yuran, Saga Ajun, Mohd Radizi Raili and Anderson Irvin respectively.

Christy Anggong emerged champion in the women’s category followed by Hamdiah Wahid, Lizawati Azman, Cherlyn Liew and Hamsiah Abdul Rahim.

Present were Assistant Minister of Native Laws and Customs and Kakus assemblyman Datuk John Sikie Tayai, Forest Department Sarawak director Hamden Mohammad and Shin Yang Group of Companies general manager Andy Wong.